I’m a huge fan of the franchise. I still have my video recording of the first time that Star Wars screened on British TV. I’ve seen The Empire Strikes back more times than I’d care to admit to any girl. And thanks to Return of the Jedi, my childhood dream was to become an Ewok when I grew up; a dream that very nearly came true thanks to the hirsute nature of my adult self.

But in spite of my passion for the original trilogy, I really can’t imagine a future that would involve my directing one of the forthcoming sequels.

For starters, I’ve never directed a feature film. Indeed, I have no experience in the directing field, whether that be working on short films, documentaries, TV shows or even in animation. I can work an iPhone camera, but would have no idea where to start in terms of operating the complicated high-tech equipment used on a movie set.

Secondly, I’m not looking to move into directing. Am pretty happy with my job as Entertainment Editor at IGN in the UK, with no plans for a career change.

Thirdly, I believe there are countless candidates better suited to the job, from Duncan Jones and Darren Aronofsky to Brad Bird and Edgar Wright. Why give the gig to me when you could go to them - filmmakers with with fantastic C.V.s and experience in the genre.

And fourthly, I’ve never met George Lucas or Kathleen Kennedy, and have no idea how or why the situation might arise that I’d come into contact with them during the selection process.

So for those reasons, it’s with a heavy heart that I’m officially pulling out of the race to direct Star Wars: Episode VII. But may the force be with whoever lands the gig.